Apple antitrust issues are escalating as India’s Competition Commission recently dismissed Apple’s plea to pause a lengthy inquiry into its App Store operations, according to a confidential order reported by Reuters on December 31, 2025.
The report states that India’s regulator has accused Apple of intentionally delaying the investigation which commenced in 2022, highlighting that the company has requested repeated extensions for over a year. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) claims this behaviour disrupts procedural integrity and hinders the timely resolution of the case.
Central to the investigation is a 2024 report revealing that Apple was found guilty of “abusive conduct” pertaining to its iOS App Store policies. These include enforcing a mandatory 30% commission on developers and compelling apps to utilise Apple’s in-app payment system. The CCI had instructed Apple to present objections to the findings along with necessary financial information for calculating potential fines.
Reports indicate that Apple has refrained from providing this information, largely due to apprehensions that recent adjustments to India’s competition laws could impose a penalty of up to $38 billion.
Under the Competition Amendment Act, 2023, India’s antitrust authority has the authority to determine fines based on a corporation’s global revenue rather than solely its domestic earnings. Apple is contesting the legality of this regulation in the Delhi High Court, asserting that any fines should be calculated based on its revenue generated in India, where the alleged infractions took place.
CCI rejects Apple’s request to halt investigation
The confidential order reveals that Apple had requested the CCI to suspend the investigation until the Delhi High Court decides on the use of global revenue for penalty calculations. The regulator denied this, stating it could not permit an indefinite delay in proceedings.
As per the Reuters report, the CCI remarked that “The Commission is of the considered view that repeated extensions, despite clear directions, undermine procedural discipline and impede the timely conclusion of proceedings.”
Shiv Putcha, Director of Research and Consulting at GSMA Intelligence, mentioned to Startup Superb that Apple’s legal tactics are not extraordinary.
“Delaying a hearing is fairly common; it is not unique. They have a hearing scheduled in the high court and have sought relief, likely aiming for extensions. If they (Apple) receive a favourable decision, it might weaken the CCI’s findings, which could be the approach they are taking,” Putcha stated.
According to Reuters, the CCI has now established a one-week timeframe for Apple to provide its response and financial data, cautioning that it may advance towards a final ruling based on existing evidence if the company does not comply.
A pivotal case for India’s digital landscape
This case arose from grievances filed by Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, and various Indian startups, who argue that Apple’s App Store regulations create an unfair market environment by mandating its commission model and restricting third-party app stores.
Apple refutes any wrongdoing, asserting that its App Store provides a safe and dependable platform for developers. However, CCI investigators have described the App Store as an “unavoidable trading partner,” contending that Apple’s dominance over the iOS ecosystem leaves developers with scant options.
The situation is being closely monitored throughout India’s technology sector, where regulators have increasingly indicated their intention to curtail the influence of global tech companies.
“There is a preference for local champions. Homegrown companies, notwithstanding who funds them, need an equal opportunity to scale. This necessitates supportive government institutions and regulatory frameworks,” Putcha added.
He further mentioned that it would be quite unusual for penalties to be determined based on worldwide earnings rather than local activities.
The next session in the Delhi High Court is scheduled for January 27.
